Auditions set for Nashville and Murfreesboro for 'Aida'

Murfreesboro's Center for the Arts musical to run Oct. 18 through Nov. 3

The creative team staging Sir Elton John and Tim Rice's "AIDA" at Murfreesboro's Center for the Arts this fall will hold open auditions on Saturday in Nashville and Sunday and Monday in Murfreesboro.

The Saturday Nashville auditions will be from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Refreshing Springs Church, 1105 51st Ave. N. It marks the first time the center has held tryouts outside of Murfreesboro.

"'AIDA' is a powerful show and presents a wonderful opportunity to introduce new talent to the Center's stage," said Director Renee Robinson. "We are also hoping we can connect with potential patrons and audience members in Nashville."

The July 28-29 Murfreesboro auditions will be from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. at the Center at 110 W. College St., located near the historic downtown square of the Rutherford County seat.

Callbacks from the auditions will be from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. July 30 at the Center.

"AIDA," described as a timeless love story, will open at the Center on Oct. 18 and will run on Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30 p.m. and Sundays at 2 p.m. until it closes on Nov. 3. The pop-rock score features music by John and lyrics by Rice.

It is a contemporary musical based on a grand classic tale, featuring the bond between an enslaved Nubian princess and an Egyptian soldier. As forbidden passion builds, the young lovers must choose between death or separation - and the choice they make helps change the destinies of their homelands.

"'AIDA' has rousing choral numbers and moving ballads, combined with strong choreography," said Music Director Dave Ragland. "We are hoping to find strong performers and singers at these tryouts."

Robinson and Ragland said they are looking to fill the six lead roles, as well as ensemble members. Prior theater experience is encouraged, but not required.

Robinson has headed some of the Center's most successful productions, including multiple sell-out shows for "Rent" in June, "Jesus Christ Superstar" in March and "It's a Wonderful Life" in November. She received the Nelda Pope Award for directing "The Color Purple," the Center's most popular show of 2012.

Ragland, minister of music for Tennessee State University's Wesley Center and artistic director of Inversion Vocal Ensemble in Nashville, has appeared with the Nashville Symphony, the Nashville Opera and the Chattanooga Symphony and Opera. He has performed at the Kennedy Center Honors.

For information on ticket sales and availability, go to the Center's website, www.BoroArts.org, call the Center at 615-904-2787 or visit the Center's box office at 110 W. College St. in Murfreesboro.

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Auditions set for Nashville and Murfreesboro for 'Aida'

The creative team staging Sir Elton John and Tim Rice's 'AIDA' at Murfreesboro's Center for the Arts this fall will hold open auditions on Saturday in Nashville and Sunday and Monday in Murfreesboro.